3 Wild Turkey Recipes to Try this Spring

When most shooters think about prairie dog hunting, their minds go straight to rifles, scopes, and a pile of ammo. But ask any seasoned “dogger,” and they’ll tell you—success in the field often comes down to the gear you bring besides your firearm. From hearing protection and shooting mats to portable benches and wind gauges, these extras can transform a hot, dusty day into an efficient and enjoyable hunt. In this article, we’ll cover the must-have ancillary gear that keeps you shooting comfortably and accurately all day long. And if you’re looking for deep dives into the best rifles, optics, and cartridges for prairie dog hunting, be sure to check out the full Prairie Dog Rifle, Optics & Ammo Guide from StepOutside.org. By Bob Robb

Comfort and Communication in the Field

There are several items besides rifles, ammo, and optics that will make your day afield more fun. First and foremost, you need to communicate with the others in your shooting party, so electronic hearing protection is the ticket. That way you keep your ears safe and are able to talk to everyone in the group. You will also want excellent eye protection, preferably those that sit off your face a little to prevent fogging, as much for the shooting part as for protection from the blowing grit, sand and dust you’ll find in prairie dog country.

Reading the Wind and Cleaning Your Rifle

A little wind gauge can help you dope the wind and get a feeling for where you have to hold the crosshairs for different wind speeds.  A complete gun cleaning kit with cleaning rods, brushes, jags and patches for each caliber is important, too. Taking a little time on high-volume shoots to clean the barrel several times a day is a good idea, as is completely cleaning the rifle at day’s end.

Get Low: Shooting Mats, Bipods, and Tripods

A real bonus is a shooting mat if you’re going to shoot prone, a common shooting position for prairie dogs. They’re also a little kinder on your butt if you like to shoot from the sitting position. While this isn’t optimum for long-range shooting, it’s great added practice for big-game hunting. I bring along bipod (which you’ll also need for prone shooting) or tripod shooting sticks and do quite a bit of firing from the sitting position, as it’s a position I find myself using a lot on spot-and-stalk hunts in the fall.

Portable Benches and Shooting Rests

On a really active town, you’ll often be set up in the same place for quite a bit of time, and this is where portable shooting benches are a great tool. These portable benches allow you to emulate your range's permanently installed sitting benchrests back home, greatly improve visibility and aid in accurate shooting. There are several on the market—some are mediocre, others pretty deluxe and some downright creative—and any one of them is better than shooting prone for an entire day. Another one of their benefits is that once you’ve worn out an area, the bench can be easily moved to the next viable spot. 

Sandbags, Rests, and Shooting Vises

For prone and bench shooting, you’re going to need a variety of sandbags and shooting bags. Squeezing a small sandbag under the buttstock while shooting prone (and with a bipod on the front end), allows you to make tiny elevation changes without fussing with your scope. Larger sandbags placed on the hood of a pickup, a boulder or a shooting bench add stability to the front of rifles not wearing a bipod and protect those rifles at the same time. Bench shooters also tend to favor shooting vises. They usually have some sort of protective material the fore-end will rest against, some swing side to side, and most will have some sort of knob arrangement for elevation adjustments.

Plan Like a Pro: Sun, Snacks, and Safety

In all likelihood you’ll also be out away from the conveniences of a human-populated town quite a ways, so be prepared for anything and everything. On hot summer days on the plains, the sun can be brutal. Protect yourself with a good hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, lightweight pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. If it’s not too windy, setting up an umbrella or tarp so you can get out of the sun for a spell is worth its weight in gold. That’s where you can set up a couple of folding chairs and a cooler filled with ice, cold nonalcoholic beverages, and snacks. Folding chairs are perfect for spotters as well. Fill up your gas tank, have plenty of liquids and food, bring a basic first aid kit, some bug spray and rain gear and always watch the weather. One year in Wyoming my group was forced to make a run for it when a tornado sprang up seemingly out of nowhere and raced right towards us! That was almost as exciting as the shooting. On that particular day, four of us tallied how much ammo we had burned in the eight hours before we had to head for the hills. I still have my log book, and the number was 1,087. That’s impressive and why prairie dog shooting is something you should seriously consider giving a try.   Special thanks to StepOutside.org for providing this insightful content. You may also be interested in: https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/hunter-education/how-to-use-natural-clues-to-read-the-wind/ https://www.letsgohunting.org/resources/articles/small-game/prairie-dog-hunting-an-exciting-adventure-in-the-wild/

By Robert Sadowski The market for night-vision and thermal optics stays red hot, but red dots at LPVOs remain in the mix this year. Optics such as night vision and thermal are being offered by more brands, making these exotic optics more accessible to hunters. Some price points are still at nose-bleed heights because they are so feature rich the process is more like buying a computer than a scope. Other brands make owning thermal and night-vision optics for mere mortals easier. There still is a steep entry price, but once you go thermal it’s hard to go back. There is also no reason why you can’t put your pistol-buying customer in a red-dot optic. This year there are red-dot reflex sights at all price points. Enclosed emitter red dots (red-dot optics sealed from the elements) are making inroads with models at lower price points. LPVOs (Low-Powered Variable Optics) continue to be a strong presence in the riflescope market. Here are the details.

Apex Optics

Apex Optics' new VAPOR 1-4x22mm variable-zoom PRISM sight (SRP: $699-$799) is the first variable-zoom prism sight available on the market. Designed for tactical situations, competition, or anyone looking for cutting-edge innovation, precision, and durability, the VAPOR offers effortless zoom from 1X through 4X with a simple turn of the front zoom ring, similar to a traditional riflescope. It is compatible with Picatinny mounts for easy integration into any AR-style platform. A six-position illuminated, glass-etched reticle with off settings between each brightness level is built into a 30mm one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube. The new ION 1x25mm red-dot sight (SRP: $350) is designed for defensive and tactical pistol or AR platforms. The ION uses the RMSc footprint, so it is compatible with all RMSc mounts. Features include AutoSleep and JOLT-AWAKE technologies that automatically power down during inactivity and instantly reactivate with motion. There are 10 brightness settings, including two for night-vision use. Reticle options include a 6 MOA dot or a selectable three-position MRX reticle. The Edge BLACK 1-10×24 LPVO (SRP: $1,800) is now fully assembled and quality controlled in the USA and offers the same unparalleled performance as the original Japanese-made Edge 1-10×24. Check these out on: apexoptics.co

Barska

The NVD35 Night Vision Adapter (SRP: $549.99) transforms nearly any riflescope into a highly efficient night-vision system by attaching seamlessly to the ocular lens of most riflescopes. Equipped with a 1024×768 pixel OLED display, the NVD35 boasts a digital zoom range from 1X to 5X. The easy-attachment mechanism allows for quick installation and removal, making it highly adaptable for a variety of shooting scenarios. Check these out on: barska.com

Burris

The Fullfield riflescope line has a 50-plus-year reputation of proven performance, and for this year the Fullfield line has been redesigned with five magnification ranges and a variety of reticle options. The proprietary 4X zoom system offers performance in a compact scope, combined with simple Plex or more advanced MOA and BDC-based reticle options. The optional Burris Knob Synergy turrets elevate performance. Six new Fullfield models include a 2-8x35mm, 2.5-10x42mm, 3-12x42mm, 3-12x56mm, 4-16x50mm, and 6-24x50mm (SRP: $192-$600). Whether you're a hunter or a long-range shooter, the Fullfield lines offer value and performance. The new FastFire E (SRP: $420) is an enclosed emitter red-dot optic designed for a variety of platforms and to ensure reliable performance in any environmental conditions. Built with an aluminum body, the FastFire E is constantly powered on with a 60,000-hour battery life from one CR2032 battery that juices a red or green 3.5 MOA dot. Check these out on: burrisoptics.com

C&H Precision

The new COMP MAX (SRP: $339.95) is an open-emitter red dot with a viewing window larger than other red dots. The COMP MAX is purpose-built for competition, duty, or concealed carry. It has the same footprint as the RMR and features a multiple reticle with a 2 MOA dot, 30 MOA circle—or both. The new EDC-EN (SRP: $275) is an enclosed emitter red dot to protect against dirt, dust, and debris interfering with the emitter. Powered up 50,000 hours, the EDC-EN features shake-to-wake technology, so it instantly comes on and powers off after five minutes of inactivity. It uses a RMSC footprint for a wide range of compatibility. Red and green dot reticle models are available with multiple reticle choices: 2.5 MOA dot, 34 MOA circle, or both. The HNT-R MAX (SRP: $339.95) is another open emitter red dot with a large viewing window, RMSC footprint, and True Timber camo finish. Add this to your turkey shotgun. Check these out on: chpws.com

C-More

The RTS3 (SRP: $749) open emitter red dot is a total redesign to maximum performance and reliability. The RTS3 placed first overall at the 2024 USPSA Carry Optics National Championship. It features a large viewing window; is available with either a 3, 6, or 9 MOA dot; has 50,000 hours of battery life; and the footprint is compatible with STS2 and RTS2 mounts. It also has a 30-year warranty. Check these out on: cmore.com

Crimson Trace

Crimson Trace has evolved two of its best selling products, the Railmaster CMR-201 and CMR-206 Universal Laser Sights. Now both lasers are equipped with aluminum rail clamps to outlast the competition and prevent slipping. The CMR-201 also features a robust polymer body, brightest allowable 5mw red laser, and externally replaceable 1/3N Li battery. The small footprint fits on a wide range of handguns and rifles. The CMR-206 features a daylight visible 5mw green laser—brightest allowable by law. Both lasers come with two rail fit adapters: universal and GLOCK profile. SRP: $129.99, CMR-201; $239.99, CMR-206. Check these out on: crimsontrace.com

Eotech

The housing of the super-short Vudu 3-9×32 riflescope is constructed of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. This second focal plane design comes in at 6.8 inches and is fog-, water-, and shock-resistant. The turrets offer 1⁄4 MOA adjustments and are both capped for protection. A rotary dial provides an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings, and the CR2032 battery provides roughly 300 hours of operation. The unique design provides an integrated base that is also compatible with aftermarket mini-ACOG mounts. For those wanting a non-magnified solution, EOTECH offers a version that includes a ring mount and EFLXTM that can be mounted to the front tube section. It can be positioned at the top or at 45-degree offsets for close or moving targets. Check these out on: eotechinc.com

GPO

It shouldn’t take retailers long to figure out the new CENTURI lines of riflescopes offers all the features shooters demand at an affordable price. The CENTURI 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact riflescope (SRP: $519.99) has a small footprint at just 9.9 inches long. It weighs a mere 20 ounces. Features include a first-focal plane milliradian reticle illuminated with GPO iControl technology, .1 milliradian turrets that lock, and an innovative “in-cap” zero-stop locking function. Other models in the CENTURI family include a 2.5-15x44i (SRP: $619.99), 2.5-15x50i (SRP: $619.99), and 3-18x44i (SRP: $619.99). All feature a 6X zoom magnification and are built on 30mm tubes. Check these out on: gpo-usa.com

Hawke Optics

The new Vantage IR 1-4x20mm Turkey Dot riflescope (SRP: $239) is designed for turkey hunting with features like a full Mossy Oak camo finish and Turkey Dot illuminated reticle. It comes with flip-up covers, honeycomb sun shade, and removable zoom throw lever. The new XB30 FFP crossbow scope (SRP: $219.99) with an FFP reticle is a first for crossbow optics. The XB30 FFP SR illuminated reticle keeps you on target at any magnification. Check these out on: us.hawkeoptics.com

Hi-Lux Optics

The Malcolm Long Rifle Telescope Gen II (SRP: $799) blends period-correct aesthetics and modern performance. The Malcolm comes equipped with a 6X magnification eyepiece, sliding dovetail mounts, a 5-inch extended sunshade for 30-inch barrels, and parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. If your customer's rifle barrel has both front and rear sight dovetails, you should be able to mount this scope without any drilling or tapping. Dove mounts are compatible with Uberti, Shiloh, Perdesoli, and Chiappa rifles. Check these out on: hi-luxoptics.com

Pulsar

Engineered with cutting-edge technology and precision craftsmanship, Thermion digital thermal riflescopes deliver clarity and precision to ensure success in any low-light environment. For 2025, Pulsar adds three models to the Thermion line: 2 LRF XP60, 2 LRF XG60, and 2LRF XL60. All feature a video recorder, AMOLED 2560×2560 display type and resolution, a 60mm objective lens, and 64 Gb of built-in memory. The units can detect images up to 2,000 meters (2,800 for the 2LRF XL60), and the included remote control allows hunters to to adjust settings and make precise shots without ever losing sight of the target. Check these out on: pulsarnv.com

Riton

The new 5 Primal 3-18×50 Crossover Scope (SRP: $999.99) is designed to be just as useful on the 1,000-yard range as in the backcountry. Built on a 34mm tube, the Primal features .1 mil capped turrets and the popular Long-Range Hunter (LRH) first-focal plane (FFP) reticle with a Christmas-tree style set-up. The new 3 Tactix 3X Magnifier (SRP: $249.99) adds magnification to 1X dot-style optics when you need it—and stays out of the way when you don’t. The push-button design flips the magnifier out of the way to run a dot without additional magnification. Features include two mounting height configurations and a choice between a dot-only or a circle-dot reticle. Pair the 1 Tactix ARD 2 (SRP: $229.99) with the 3 Tactix 3X magnifier for a versatile package. Check these out on: ritonoptics.com

Umarex

The Umarex RDS8 (SRP: $39.99) stands for Red Dot Sight 8 and is compatible with various airguns, airsoft guns, and imaged paintball training equipment. The RDS8 is a compact, lightweight red dot sight with an 8 MOA reticle with two brightness levels. A Picatinny universal mount is included so it can adapt to a variety of other air-powered platforms. The OR/MOS Adapter Plates (SRP: $20) are now available for select air-powered Walther PDP and Glock models in airgun, airsoft, and paintball variants. The plates come in the most popular mounting footprints for Trijicon, Vortex, Leupold, and C-More. Check these out on: umarexusa.com

U.S. Optics

The new RISE Red Dot Sight (SRP: $279.99) is a high-performance reflex sight equipped with a 3 MOA red dot, 10 brightness settings (including night vision), and a durable aluminum housing. It is compatible with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and is ideal for pistols, shotguns, and rifles with tactical, sporting, and home-defense applications. Check these out on: usoptics.com

Winchester Supreme Optics

The new line of value-focused riflescopes includes six models: 6-18x50mm SF Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $344.99), 4-12x44mm SF (SRP: $241.99), 3-9x40mm (SRP: $206.99), 3.5-10x50mm (SRP: $218.99), 2-7x32mm (SRP: $144.99), and 1-4x24mm Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $264.99). Features include premium lens multi-coated with Winchester WINcoat to transmit the maximum amount of low dusk or dawn light to your eye. All scopes use second focal plane (SFP) reticles and fast-focus eyepieces. Check these out on: worldofwinchester.com

XS Sights

The DXT2 PRO Series night sights are designed for self-defense. This improved Big Dot line offers increased durability and corrosion resistance due to the upgraded tritium lamps and BlackNitride surface finish. The PRO Series is also the first XS Big Dot available with a green glow dot front sight that delivers high contrast in bright light while glowing extremely bright in low light. The DXT2 PRO Series sights offer the same exceptional benefits of the original XS Big Dots with a large, easy-to-see tritium front sight with dual-illumination technology for high visibility in low light and a rear, tritium stripe for fast and easy vertical alignment. The overall design and sheer size of the dot at 0.188 inch drives focus to the front sight for lightning-fast target acquisition. The sights will fit selected models from Glock, SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, and FN. SRP: $153. XS Sights is also offering new, pre-drilled front sights, featuring a self-illuminating tritium Glow Dot, for S&W K-Frame, L-Frame, J-Frame and Ruger SP101 revolvers. The dual-illuminated front sight has a self-luminous tritium vial surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. The pairing ensures the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well in bright light conditions. While the Standard dot sets come with a front sight only, the Minimalist sets come with a front sight and serrated, anti-glare, non-tritium rear sight. It is designed to be as minimalistic as possible while driving focus to the front sight. Check these out on: xssights.com

X-Vision Optics

The latest to the FLEX thermal optic lines is the all-new compact TR2 (SRP: $3,499.99) with features like detection range up to 1,700 yards, 1-4X magnification, a large 2.56-inch display screen, customizable color-palette and reticle selections, and a quick-release Picatinny mount. You may also be interested in: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/firearms/new-handguns-coming-to-stores-in-2025/

 

By Bethany Beathard

 

I've heard it said, " Easterns make you a turkey hunter."   These birds are smart, skittish and not known for making anything easy. Add in limited time and you've got to be sharp with your strategy from the first setup to the final call. Eastern turkeys are no joke. I've hunted them for a couple of seasons, and there is a difference between them and other turkeys I've also hunted. They're arguably the most hunted and pressured subspecies in the U.S. and they act like it. These birds are smart and quick to bust you if anything feels off. Dense woods, thick underbrush or wide-open fields only add to the challenge, with such a wide variety of hunting terrain.

To stack the odds in your favor, it helps to understand their daily rhythms. Mornings usually start on the roost with some gobbling; if you're lucky, then birds fly down and head to feeding spots. After that, there's often a mid-morning lull when gobblers get tight-lipped but might still be on the move looking for hens. If you can key in on where they like to strut or travel during this time, you will have a better chance of intercepting them.

If you're crunched for time, lean on digital scouting tools like onXhunt to pinpoint potential hot spots, think open ridges, food plots or scratchy leaf-covered areas where birds have been feeding. Better yet, get out the evening before your hunt and just listen. A gobble or some fly-up noise can tell you exactly where to start the next morning.

Time-Smart Setups for Success

When you've only got a day or two to hunt, you can't afford to waste time sitting in dead zones. The goal is to be where the turkeys already want to go, not just where you think they might wander. Start by sneaking close to the roost if you can do it safely and without bumping birds. Get set up early and stay quiet. A hen decoy and soft tree yelps at fly-down time can sometimes pull a tom in right off the limb. If that doesn't work, shift gears and think mid-morning movement, focus on trails, field edges or known strut zones where a gobbler might swing by solo.

It's a balance between patience and mobility. If you know a spot is usually productive, it might pay to stay put. But if you're not hearing or seeing anything, don't be afraid to pack up and move. Just be smart about it, listen for gobbles, look for fresh sign and use the terrain to stay hidden as you go.

Decoy Tactics for Short Hunts

When you're working with just a weekend, there's no time for trial and error. You need a setup that works. One of the most versatile and beginner-friendly options is a solo hen. It's non-threatening, can work in almost any setting and won't spook shy toms. If you're targeting a more dominant bird and you think he's in the right mood, a jake and hen combo can spark a fast reaction. If they're fired up, that jake might be the last straw that pulls them in. Be aware that this combo can also lure in a group of jakes. They are like a group of teenage boys trying to impress everyone.

When setting your decoys out, consider the placement. You will want to set them about 15-20 yards in front of you, angled slightly, so a tom's approach gives you a clean shot. If birds are coming from a particular direction, like a trail or a known strut zone, keep the decoys just off that path to naturally steer the tom where you want him. Turkeys will be wary of going to areas they normally don't travel. I once sat in a blind out in a field and had a tom at 90 yards for 45 minutes, but he would not commit because that wasn't his usual path, and he knew something was off.

Also, don't be afraid to leave the decoys in the bag altogether. In thick woods or tight funnels, birds may be too close when they see them, causing them to hang up or get suspicious. Sometimes, especially in pressured areas, the most convincing decoy is none at all.

Calling Strategies When You Only Have a Weekend

Short hunts call for smart calling, I mean this can be applied to any hunt really. Turkey will be turkeys, and if the calling is off, they will not buy into it.

If you're new or under pressure, keep it simple. A box call or even a push-button call can sound great with minimal effort and lets you focus on your setup and shot opportunity instead of perfecting your technique.

Using locator calls, like owl hoots or crow calls, can help you pinpoint a roosted tom fast without giving away your setup too early.

Once you're working with a bird, less is more, especially with Eastern gobblers. These birds have been around the block and can get suspicious of overcalling. Stick to soft yelps, clucks and purrs. If you're working a henned-up tom, call to the hen, not the tom. Try soft, chatty clucks and purrs to irritate her. If she comes in to challenge you, the tom's likely to follow.

One underrated but powerful strategy? Go silent. You can bust your own hunt by over-calling or not using the correct sequence. Sometimes, backing off the call and letting a tom think you've lost interest can trigger him to come check your setup. They don't like being ignored and they definitely don't like thinking they missed a chance.

What Worked and What Didn't

Even on short hunts, real-world examples show how quick decisions can make or break success. One of my recent wins came from a classic morning roost setup. Kristen and I slid into a pop-up blind near the swamp edge, where trail cameras had caught consistent turkey movement. Despite a slow start and pretty quiet roost, patient calling and a solid decoy spread, two hens and a half strut jake paid off. We first had a bearded hen come in, fired up and whooped up on our hen decoy, but decided to stay and feed. It wasn't long after when a fired-up tom strutted in and committed hard to the jake decoy. He was down by 7:20 a.m., proof that being set up early, minimal calling and holding still works. But it doesn't always go perfectly. On another hunt, we had a decoy mishap where the placement was just too open in the field. A tom spotted the decoys quickly, didn't like what he saw and never committed.

Also, a reminder, when things go quiet, don't panic. Wind, hunting pressure or even temperature changes can temporarily shut birds down. Be patient and ready to move, change your calling cadence or even go completely silent and listen. Flexibility kills more turkeys than sticking to a rigid plan.

You may also be interested in:

How to Pattern Your Shotgun for Turkey Hunting

3 Wild Turkey Recipes to Try this Spring